Words / C2

FULS-uh-m/ˈfʊlsəm/

Fulsome, in careful English, means excessively flattering, so it seems insincere: fulsome praise. It is not a synonym of full or generous — that is a common slip. Lavish can be sincere; fulsome sneers. Full is the everyday quantity word. If you mean generous thanks, write generous or warm, not fulsome.

Meaning

Excessively flattering, so that it seems insincere (not a synonym of full).

Examples

• “Fulsome praise from the chair embarrassed the winner.”
• “Fulsome thanks from the chair embarrassed the winner and delayed the next item.”
• “A full report is complete; fulsome praise is overdone.”

Good to know

Over-the-top, insincere praise (careful use). Not a synonym of full/generous. Sincere plenty: warm / generous / lavish.

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